AI-Driven Business Support Program
Ogen’s Bizz.AI Program: Empowering Small Businesses with AI
Introduction to Bizz.AI
Ogen, the largest social credit organization in Israel working on a nonprofit basis, has launched an innovative initiative called the Bizz.AI program. This endeavor aims to assist small businesses in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, partnering with students from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev who study engineering, industrial engineering and management, and economics. The concept originated from two second-year economics students, Rave Halfon and Tom Ben-Nissan, who collaborated with Ogen to create Bizz.AI.
A Unique Collaboration Between Academia and Business
The Bizz.AI program is designed to establish a collaborative growth model that unites academic knowledge with real-world business challenges. This partnership not only aids companies in advancing their technological capabilities but also offers students hands-on experience that will significantly benefit their career paths.
Structure of the Program
Student Network and Training
The Bizz.AI initiative will create a network of volunteer students who will undergo thorough training led by industry experts. Several esteemed organizations are participating, including Microsoft, which will provide insights into the latest AI advancements and their implications for businesses.
Another partner, BCG, will lead workshops focused on tackling business challenges and crafting strategies to improve operational efficiency.
Key Training Highlights:
- Students will assist small business owners in pinpointing their unique needs.
- Guidance on developing and implementing tech tools tailored for each business.
- Support in tracking and analyzing business outcomes post-implementation.
This structured approach will enable small businesses to harness AI technologies, enhancing management, marketing, customer service, and operational functions.
Launching in Beersheba
The Bizz.AI program is starting its journey in Beersheba, where an impressive 200 students expressed interest in participating. After a careful selection process, 36 exceptional students have been chosen to receive specialized training. These students will later offer their expertise to benefit about 120 small businesses located in the city.
To celebrate the opening of the program’s first cohort, a launch event took place at Ben-Gurion University. Attendees included key figures such as Tom Ben-Nissan and Rave Halfon, the program founders, along with Sagi Balasha, CEO of Ogen, and other prominent representatives from Ogen and the university.
Perspectives from Leaders
Sagi Balasha, the CEO of Ogen, articulated the organization’s commitment to the Bizz.AI program, stating, “We are proud to support the Bizz.AI initiative, which aims to create a robust technological infrastructure for small businesses in Israel. Our aspiration is to broaden this model across all academic institutions in the country, fostering an environment where students can empower businesses through technology.”
Vision of the Founders
Rave Halfon and Tom Ben-Nissan, the innovative minds behind Bizz.AI, highlighted the rapid changes in the business landscape. They emphasized the need for small enterprises to adapt to remain competitive and grow. “Our model not only trains students in AI but also gives them crucial practical experience while making advanced technology economically accessible to small businesses—many of which struggle to afford traditional consulting services,” they remarked.
Conclusion
The Bizz.AI program represents a groundbreaking initiative blending academic learning with practical application, aimed at enriching both students and the small business community in Israel. Through the collaborative efforts of Ogen and Ben-Gurion University, small businesses will gain the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
